Blog

What is Facial Hair Transplantation?

Brad Pitt. Ron Swanson. David Beckham. These men are the epitome of masculinity, and what do they all have in common? Great facial hair. Even if you rock the clean-shaven look, what guy doesn’t desire growing a lumberjack-worthy beard or mustache once in a while? But if disappointment strikes as every attempt leads to patchy spots and sparse hairs—you’re not alone.

As this thicker hair care trend continues to thrive, it’s no surprise that more men are looking into facial hair transplants. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), interest in the procedure has jumped an astonishing 196% since 2012. Also, as hair transplant technology continues to improve and the stigma of men going under-the-knife lessens, expect this procedure’s popularity to skyrocket.

So what exactly is facial hair transplantation? Will results look natural? And what about transplants for other areas on the face—like eyebrows? Let’s dig into the details of the facial hair transplant and discover whether it’s the right decision for you.

Why Get a Facial Hair Transplant?

Even if you feel like the only guy on Earth unable to fill out a beard, it’s a common problem. Whether due to genetics or other conditions, even Grizzly Adams lookalikes often cover up bald spots by patiently growing their facial hair longer—or sneakily filling them in.

Yes. Facial hair transplants are more expensive than other hair growth methods and entail a minor surgery. However, no other technique appears as natural or lasts for life. The initial investment may be physically and financially higher, but the long-term payoff is unparalleled.

How Do Facial Hair Transplants Work?

Most facial hair transplant surgeons create that flawless look with the same technique used for scalp hair transplants—follicular unit transplantation (FUT) –OR- follicular unit extraction (FUE). Though considered an invasive surgery, side effects are low, recovery is quick, and the results are permanent.

The procedure itself involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from a donor area usually from the back of the patient’s head. Surgeons specifically choose hairs that closely resemble those in the beard and mustache – usually the courser 1 or 2 hair grafts. Tiny incisions are made in the thin areas on the face and the harvested hair follicles inserted into each tunnel.

After about two weeks, the transplanted hairs will fall out. Then approximately 2–4 months later, your brand new beard will begin to emerge. Soon it’ll be fully grown in and it’s time to show off the spectacular beard of your dreams.

Can Anyone Get a Beard Transplant?

If you can naturally grow enough hair at the base of your scalp to harvest, you’re likely a great candidate for a facial hair transplant. That means if you’re tired of your patchy beard, it’s a great time to contact a surgeon and explore your options.

Do keep in mind that humans possess only a finite number of hair follicles. If you are balding or there is significant balding in your family you may need to think about a scalp hair transplant in your future rather than a beard transplant. Talk to your doctor first. Transplant regret is possible if down the line you’re staring at a bald head and too many donor follicles were already moved to your face.

But if you expect those locks to hold strong—or you love the bald and bearded look—harvest away and finally grow that epic beard.

Eyebrow Transplants

The old saying goes that eyes are windows to the soul. This makes it no surprise that eyebrow transplants are booming. Though beards and mustache transplants still reign supreme, more patients are looking into filling in their thin, patchy brows, making it the most common non-scalp hair transplant procedure.

As past trends favored skinny brows, many women overplucked or overwaxed, leaving behind meager amounts of hair. Genetics, age, scarring, and other factors may also lead to sparse brows. But now that thickness has turned en vogue more people are choosing to permanently pump up the volume with eyebrow transplants.

Again using the FUE procedure, the eyebrow transplant process is nearly identical to a beard transplant. However, upkeep is slightly more substantial. Since natural eyebrow hairs stop growing after about 7 weeks—and the transplanted head hair won’t—recipients must regularly trim the transplanted hairs every couple of weeks.

Though it’s always important, choosing a skilled hair transplant specialist is especially crucial for brows to ensure proper balance, framing, and shape for every face. Also, though fewer hairs are ultimately transplanted and harvested, surgery time is also slower than scalp or beard treatments as each follicle is meticulously placed to ensure correct angle and direction for incredible, natural results.

Curious about whether a facial hair transplant is right for you? Or ready to explore other fantastic hair restoration solutions? Trust the experts at Limmer Hair Transplant Center. Dedicated to putting patients first, finally regain the incredible head of hair you deserve. Call us at (210) 496-9992 to set up a consultation or request an appointment online today.